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City Life in Japanese Prints
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
The woodblock prints and printed books of Japan’s Edo period (1615-1868) capture the vibrance and dynamism of life in the thriving metropolis. Rich in detail, colour and community, these works document the celebrity of Edo’s actors, wrestlers and beauties, while also sharing glimpses of everyday lives at all levels of society. Focusing on the museum’s exceptional Japanese art collections, join V&A curators Dr Mary Redfern and Amy Raphael to discover how woodblock prints reflected and invigorated Japan’s urban culture.
This half-day study session will include a guided visit to the Sumō Wrestling prints display in the Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art, and first-hand study of select items in the stores.
Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
Study Day Leader
Dr. Helen Glaister
Art Historian Dr Helen Glaister specialises in Chinese Ceramics and Decorative Arts. Before the V&A, she worked at the British Museum and Birkbeck, University of London. Helen was awarded her PhD from SOAS, where she still teaches. Current research focusses collections history, Chinese lacquer and ceramics of the late modern period.
A wonderful opportunity to learn in a world class museum Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
From festival fireworks to sumō wrestling, this object study session introduces the V&A’s rich collection of Japanese prints and printed books under the expert guidance of curators, Dr Mary Redfern and Amy Raphael.
V&A Academy. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Enrol now
One-day course: City Life in Japanese Prints
20 March 2026
£150.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Header image: Fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge, Woodblock print hexaptych, 'Fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge' by Utagawa Toyokuni (1769-1825), Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 1820-1825 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London